The Connection Between Menopause and Hearing Aids

The Connection between Menopause and Hearing Aids

Menopause is a natural biological process in women’s lives, but the associated changes taking place can affect more than the menopausal woman’s reproductive health. A decrease in hormones affects the auditory system, which can result in changes to hearing sensitivity. Unfortunately, these changes often require a woman to seek a hearing evaluation and potentially wear a hearing aid.

Menopause and Hearing Loss

As women ages, the hormones begin to change and can affect the ear canals, the eardrum and the inner ear. As a result, women experiencing menopause may experience changes in their hearing. Symptoms that may indicate a need to visit an audiologist for a hearing evaluation include tinnitus, ringing in the ears, difficulty hearing conversations and the difficulty hearing people talking in a noisy environment.

How Menopause Affects the Health of the Ears

During menopause, a woman’s level of estrogen significantly declines. This can lead to many changes in the body, including in the ear canals. When estrogen levels decrease, the body is at greater risk of developing age-related hearing loss as well as ototoxic medication-induced loss. The outer ear can also experience changes due to dry skin and itching, as well as an increase in earwax.

How Hearing Aids Can Help

For women experiencing changes in their hearing due to menopause, a hearing aid may be the perfect solution. A hearing aid not only amplifies sound, but can also help balance out hearing loss throughout the face, allowing women to enjoy the sounds they may have been missing. Hearing aids can also help women adjust to new hearing abilities they may be experiencing.

Conclusion

Menopause can affect more than just a woman’s reproductive health; it can also cause hearing changes that require intervention. It’s important for those experiencing changes in their hearing due to menopause to visit an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. With a hearing aid, individuals may be able to enjoy their life with the sounds they love.